The 22nd annual Washington Jewish Film Festival opens Thursday night for 11 days of cinematic dialogue about the Jewish experience. From humble origins, the festival program now includes 47 features, documentaries and shorts from 15 countries worldwide. About half the screenings, running through December 11, will be accompanied by additional programming featuring a director, screenwriter, composer, actor or subject from the film. Though the Washington DC JCC will be the flagship venue for the festival, screenings …More

Next time you visit Prague, after you’re done visiting some of the cities three hundred and some churches, the old Jewish cemetery, the ancient Orloj astronomical clock, Kafka’s house and a few other touristy attractions, you might want to devote some time to checking out the city’s art scene. It’s been a while since Czech art got the attention it deserves and a now that more and more people are visiting the Czech capitol it seems things are changing. Prague nowadays has a bustling …More

Anyone who has been to the new wing of the MFA, which opened in November of 2010, is likely aware at what a treasure it is for Boston. It is aesthetically expansive and attractive, in a tastefully modern way that at least rivals other museums in this country or even in Europe. The 63-foot high glass walls in the gigantic (and enclosed) new courtyard, where there is also a chic new café and wine bar, is a sight to be reckoned with and as with many things good, it continues to get better. After this …More

Prague is known for its dark and gothic architecture, but do not be fooled, lovebirds fly all around. There are romantic activities during all seasons. Pack a picnic atop Petrin Hill, sip bubbly at Kampa Park or fall in love all over again in Old Town Square. Walk up Petrin Hill for beautiful views of the city. The base of Petrin Park is full of foliage that is quite the sight to see during the color changing autumn months. At the top of the hill is Petrin Tower, similar to the Eifel tower in France but a bit …More

London is among the world’s most ethnically diverse cities—and has the cuisine to match. That the sun never set on the British Empire means that there is a culinary diaspora in the city—and a whole 24 hours’ worth of food sampling. Indian food more than gets its due in the city, yet other former British colonial outposts are represented in among the city’s eateries. Tuck in to Malaysian, West African or Jamaican food, or go for one of the cuisines represented by those emigrating from …More

It’s been quite awhile since I visited the Botanical Gardens in Jerusalem. The years have flown by and the Gardens have grown from their original enclave in the Nayot neighborhood of Jerusalem to an area of over 13 dunams. Tucked amongst the buildings of the Givat Ram campus of the Hebrew University of which it is a part, the Botanical Gardens has become one of the city’s most magical—and often hidden-treasures.   The Gardens were created in 1953 primarily as a scientific testing ground …More